At last, a password protection drive that could star in a "Mission: Impossible" movie.
Arkami

I hate to use the term "sexy" to describe a gadget, but if the myIDkey isn't "sexy," at least it's "damn fine." It takes the concept of a USB drive that protects all your passwords and does it up right with voice-activated search, biometric fingerprint identification, and Bluetooth.

I'm not the only person who thinks myIDkey is worth a look. It just launched its Kickstarter project and already has pulled in more than $87,000 (and rising fast) toward its $150,000 goal. A $99 pledge gets you a myIDkey with two different protective sleeves.

Like most other USB password keys, you can plug myIDkey into a computer and it will auto-complete your information into pertinent forms. You can also store documents and files on it like a regular USB drive. What's cooler, though, is the voice-search function. Say the name of your bank, for example, and the key will show the information on an OLED display. Not just anyone can talk to the key and get results, though. You first have to unlock it by swiping your finger.

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If the fingerprint isn't enough security for you, you can also optionally set up a tap sequence to go along with it. For example, you might want the key to unlock only after you've scanned your thumb and tapped on it twice.

The myIDkey can work with a smartphone app and back up your data online as well. This is handy should your key ever get lost or stolen. After enough failed attempts to access it, the key will wipe itself of data, kind of like a "Mission: Impossible" device. You can restore the data or load it onto a new key using the backup system.

Digital security is a necessary part of the modern technology lifestyle, but it has rarely spawned devices that you would want to show off to your friends for their cool factor. The myIDkey could change that. It's currently in prototype form, but it's looking pretty good that it will reach the Kickstarter goal and go into production. You might want to start getting your thumb ready.

About the author

Freelance writer Amanda C. Kooser covers gadgets and tech news with a twist for CNET's Crave blog. When not wallowing in weird gadgets and iPad apps for cats, she can be found tinkering with her 1956 DeSoto.
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